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Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Top 5 Favorite Romance Novel Couples

Congratulations to "Trude", the winner in Lena's giveaway. Thank you to all who participated!

With Valentine’s Day upon us, it seems appropriate to create
a top 5 list of my favorite romance novel couples. Easier said than done! I,
probably like most of you, have read thousands of romance novels in my
lifetime. And while I haven’t loved every book that I’ve read, I’ve amassed
hundreds of favorites. And each one of those favorites highlights a couple that
I fell in love with. So I offer this list of SOME of my top favorites over the
years.

This is an epic love story, and a sweeping saga that spans
the end of the civil war and its aftermath. It’s incredibly emotional, seeing
how this conflict tore apart so many families. But it’s also incredibly
uplifting as, realistic or not, the author shows true kindness and friendship
and how there really were some truly good people who didn’t care about skin
color and created families by choice, not by birth or blood. Cole is one of my
favorite heroes because he’s so tortured and has lost so much, and yet, because
of his calling as a surgeon, he risks everything to save those around him,
regardless of their circumstance or the color of their skin or uniform. Alaina
is just as tortured, having lost everything to this terrible war. This is truly
one of those rare books where the only thing that can save Alaina and Cole is
their love for each other. It’s a beautiful story, with a wealth of history
that only enriches the love story.

Another historical (sensing a trend here?). Okay, to be
honest, I kind of hate the heroine in this book—for about two-thirds of the
story. She’s snobby and selfish to the extreme. But the hero is so honorable,
and strong, and sexy, and ridiculously in love with her that he completely
transforms her into someone we love and respect by the end of the book.

3. Gabriel MacBain
and Lady Johanna, Saving Grace, by Julie Garwood

Never have I seen a hero more strong and tough and yet
tender and wonderful as Gabriel MacBain. And how can you not empathize with a
woman in medieval times who is the property of her husband and gets down on her
knees in a church and thanks God when her abusive husband is rumored to be
killed? Only to then be forced to marry another man she doesn’t want to marry?
It’s a heart breaking and yet amazing love story. And one of the things I love
best? Gabriel never, not once, tells Johanna that he loves her. And yet, she
knows, and we know, that he loves her beyond all else. Because he shows it in
his actions. This story is a tear-jerker and so beautiful.

A paranormal! This was the first Dark Hunter book I’ve ever
read, which might be why it sticks with me so much. Incredibly sexy, it’s a
unique twist on the idea of vampires and Greek mythology thrown into the mix. I
love that Kyrian gives up EVERYTHING for his love for Amanda. But over all,
this story is just fun, fun, fun. And SEXY.

1. Black Niall of
Scotland and Grace St. John, Son of the Morning by Linda Howard

I had to include a book by Linda Howard in the mix. It was a
toss-up between the couples in Mr. Perfect, which is contemporary fun, and Son
of the Morning, which is a contemporary time-travel back to the times of the
Knights Templar. I had to finally go with Son of the Morning, because it’s such
an amazing, emotional story. This is the most unique book that I’ve ever read.
Period. The couple doesn’t meet until the last quarter of the book, if I
remember right. But they become acquainted through dreams and visions. Sounds
hokey, but trust me, it’s amazing. We see Grace go from the horror of losing
her first husband, whom she loves very much, to being on the run from his
killer and then traveling back in time to meet Black Niall of Scotland, who is
at the heart of the reason that her first husband was killed. It’s all about
incredible adversity and the power of love that can save someone even across the
centuries.

So who are some of your favorite romance novel couples, and
why? I’m giving away a print copy of my next release, SECRET STALKER, to one
random commenter. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Secret
Stalker February 21,
2017 (paperback); March 1, 2017 (eBook)

Tennessee SWAT
Series

ISBN
978-1335720887

Publisher –Harlequin
Intrigue

A SWAT
officer must protect the woman who broke his heart

Years ago,
detective and part-time SWAT officer Max Remington proposed to the woman he
loved. Her response? To flee town—and Max's life—under a cloud of suspicion.
Folks said Bexley Kane killed the man "allegedly" stalking her and
got away with murder. Now Bex is back in Destiny, Tennessee, but their tense
reunion is cut short when bullets start flying, and this time, they're aimed at
her. As Max fights to keep Bex safe, he's also fighting to protect his heart.
Can they unravel the secrets of the past in time to save each other? Or will
Bex's final secret destroy them both?

Lena will be giving away a print copy of SECRET STALKER to one person leaving a comment or email entry.

Author Bio:

Originally from Kentucky, romantic suspense author Lena Diaz also lived in California and Louisiana before settling in northeast Florida with her husband, two children, and a Shetland Sheepdog named Sparky. A former Romance Writers of America Golden Heart® finalist, she's won the prestigious Daphne du Maurier award for excellence in mystery and suspense (three times!), has won the Bookseller's Best Award, and has been a finalist in the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards (twice). She loves to watch action movies, garden, and hike in the beautiful Tennessee Smoky Mountains. For more information and updates on newest releases visit her website at www.LenaDiaz.com or sign up for her newsletter by pasting this URL into your browser: http://lenadiaz.com/contact.html#newsletter.

Giveaway ends 11:59pm EST Feb 15th. Please supply your email in the post. You may use spaces or full text for security. (ex. jsmith at gmail dot com) If you do not wish to supply your email, or have trouble posting, please email maureen@justromanticsuspense.com with a subject title of JRS GIVEAWAY to be entered in the current giveaway.

The directions say the giveaway ends Jan. 31, but since it was posted on Feb. 14 I am assuming that is a typo.Julie Garwood is a favorite of mine. Her book THE PRIZE was the first romance I ever read. I found every one of her historicals and devoured them. SAVING GRACE is one of my favorites. THE WEDDING & THE BRIDE, and THE SECRET & RANSOM are pairs that acre good. My favorite hero and heroine are Brodick and Gillian from RANSOM. I have read a few books by Kathleen Woodiwiss. My favorite is THE WOLF AND THE DOVE.

LOVE Julie Garwood's medievals. Ransom is one of my favorite books ever and of course The Bride and The Wedding. I'm drawing a blank on The Prize but I remember The Gift maybe? Thanks for reminding me of some of my favorite love stories!

The Norman invaders capture a castle and the daughter of the Lord is taken as a prize when the army moves to join up with William. She and the estate are to offered to one of the knights. An event at the castle allows her to pick the one she wants. Come to think of it, it has a little in common with The Wolf And The Dove. My mistake on The Gift. It was supposed to be The Secret, the one paired with Ransom.

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A recipe that includes a dash of desperation, a smidgen of danger, a dollop of adventure and a healthy portion of passion. Sprinkle a happy ending on top and you have the perfect meal. - JUST ROMANTIC SUSPENSE